Today was only 48 miles, and we had strong winds from the south. It was truly a beautiful ride the first part of the day, but we were all quite aware of the notation that after the town of Guttenburg there was a "big hill". Hah. What a misuse of the language.
Before Guttenburg, there was indeed a big hill, and Annie, that's another town we have to visit. The pre-hill hill was big but not terrible. Guttenburg was a charming little town by the river, and as I biked along the river park drive, I saw two young boys on bikes. "Awesome bike," one called out, and a few minutes later they came racing down the road to catch up with me. Both boys were carrying fishing poles! They talked awhile, and I took their picture as we rode. (If I ever can get photos off my camera, I'll put their picture here.) It was so much fun to see young boys coming back from their fishing trip, and showing off by riding hands-free. They loved my bike but I loved them a lot more!
The hill of of Guttenburg was horrible. Steep, long, exhausting, but I did it. The rain started as I crested the hill, but it wasn't terrible. Yet. We hit McGregor as the rain was getting heavy, and we hustled to a cafe to warm up and dry off. We had a great lunch. (John, Annie, you would both hate the place, but Annie, you'd love the town.)
Oh, yes, forgot to mention, before McGregor we hit another bad hill, and after having already climbed the BIG HILL, that one really hurt me a lot. I really didn't think I could finish it, but getting off somehow seemed harder.
Anyway, after lunch, we only had a couple of miles, but somehow they were the worst. The rain was pelting and terribly cold. As we approached the bridge, a sign warned cyclists of dangerous railroad tracks, and I took note and tried to approach them at a right angle. I should have just gotten off and walked, because I slipped and hit the ground. Luckily I had leggings on (it was SO cold), so I only have minor road rash and the bike seems fine. One toe was white and had no feeling when I arrived, however.
Now, I have to check my laundry. Later I'll tell you about the birds!
Happy trails,
Dusty
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